Remote control test apparatus

ABSTRACT

A detector assembly for a remotely controlled test system for testing the ready status of a fluorescent type emergency lighting fixture providing a 30 second or a 90 minute test of the battery operated fluorescent lamp upon command. The transmitted control signal is an infrared beam containing a selected pulse-time code which the receiving circuit can reliably receive, recognize and process in an environment of high infrared noise typically produced by fluorescent lighting. Upon recognition and verification of the selected pulse-time code, the microcontroller disenables the charging circuit to the battery for supplying power to the fluorescent lamp in the emergency mode to cause the emergency circuit to sense an AC power failure whereby the lamp illuminates in the emergency mode for the selected test period. In preferred embodiments the detector for the infrared beam, the housing in which it is mounted in the fluorescent fixture, the cable connecting the detector to the microcontroller are all surrounded with an electrically conductive shielding which is grounded to the microcontroller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/106,470, filed Oct. 30, 1998, and is a division of U.S.Application Ser. No. 09/428,898, filed Oct. 28, 1999.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to emergency lighting, and particularly tofluorescent lighting wherein a ballast for a fluorescent lamp isconnected to a source of electrical energy other than normal AC linecurrent in the event that the normal AC current fails.

[0005] Emergency lighting is required in commercial, industrial, andinstitutional buildings just as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms andother safety equipment. Three types of emergency lighting are common insuch installations: unit equipment, engine generators and centralbattery systems. Unit equipment falls into two principle types:fluorescent and incandescent.

[0006] The fluorescent units are customarily combined with and within aconventional fluorescent lighting unit by merely adding the emergencyballast consisting of a battery, a battery charger, inverter and sensingcircuitry adjacent the standard fluorescent ballast. The sensing circuitobserves the interruption of normal AC power to the lamp unit andimmediately switches on the emergency ballast which powers the lightfixture for the required period which, under most state safety codes, isa period of at least ninety (90) minutes, a standard called out in theNational Electrical Code, NFPA Article 70, and NFPA Article 101 LifeSafety Code. These regulations at NFPA, Article 101, Section 5-9.3 alsomandate that periodic monitoring of the ready status of the emergencysystems, including a 30 day test requiring 30 seconds of lighting andannual test requiring a 90 minute duration of lighting. An exception isprovided for those emergency lighting units which contain a selftesting/self-diagnostic circuit which automatically performs a minimum30 second test and diagnostic routine at least once every 30 days andindicates failures by a status indicator. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,029assigned to the assignee of the present invention is illustrative ofsuch a self testing/self diagnostic circuit.

[0007] 2. General Background of the Invention

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,953 entitled Emergency Lighting Ballast forCompact Fluorescent Lamps with Integral Starters, assigned to theassignee of the present invention is illustrative of the fluorescenttype of emergency lighting with a ballast. It is common in theinstallation of emergency fluorescent lighting that an emergency ballastis added to a conventional fluorescent fixture either in originalinstallation or by retrofit. Alternatively, emergency lighting may beprovided integrally in a unit having both internal regular and emergencyballasts installed. When main AC power to the lighting fails, voltagesensing circuitry instantly connects DC current from a battery (in theemergency ballast) to an inverter which produces high frequency, highvoltage power to illuminate the emergency fluorescent lamp(s) for therequired period.

[0009] The inclusion of test circuits for emergency fluorescent lightingis common, typically including the Test/Monitor panel, either mounted ona wall in the building, generally adjacent the emergency lamp, or on thecase of the fluorescent ballast or fixture. The operation of these typesof testing circuits requires the technician to go to the particularlocation of the test switch for each emergency fixture, which issomewhat time consuming. Such a configuration involves considerableinstallation cost in that the wall mounted test switch must be wireddirectly to each fixture to be tested. In the case of test switcheslocated directly on a fixture, though avoiding the extra installationcost of the wall mounted switch, the technician then has to access eachfixture individually to initiate the test. This procedure is timeconsuming since fixtures are often eight to twenty feet above the floorin commercial or industrial buildings.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,029 entitled Fluorescent Emergency BallastSelf Test Circuit, assigned to the assignee of the present invention isillustrative of a fluorescent emergency lighting ballast which includesan integral self test function. In the described ballast, the testing isa programmed function, carried out independently by the circuitry in theballast and in the event of a malfunction in the test, a warning lightand/or alarm sounds to advise of the test malfunction.

[0011] The present invention in its most common form involves thecombination of the concept of a type of remote control as utilized withgarage door openers, television and VCR machines which activates aspecialized monitor circuit integrally connected into the emergencyballast for the fluorescent emergency lamp. With this remote controltest feature, a technician performing the tests, whether the 30 secondor the 90 minute variety, may conduct a survey of several emergencyfixtures in a “point-click-test” series while making a tour through afacility, returning within the required time frame (30 seconds or 90minutes) to observe that the lamp is still operating in the emergencymode and meeting the requirements of the Life Safety Code. In apreferred embodiment, the test unit includes a reset function toterminate any unwanted prior test activation. On reset, any prior testof the emergency ballast to emergency (i.e., battery) function isterminated and the lamp is reconnected to normal AC power, with thebattery charging circuit also energized.

[0012] Prior attempts of providing fluorescent emergency lighting withsuch remote control operation have been unsuccessful. The significantamounts of infrared light (noise) produced by fluorescent lampsinterferes with conventional remote control transmitters and receivers,to the degree that reliable, repeatable tests have not been possible.Further, the significant amount of infrared noise within the flourescentfixture has prevented the mounting of a useful detector of the remotetest control signal. The present invention breaks through the infrarednoise barrier by using a uniquely coded signal which interrogates thefixture and if analyzed to be of a proper digital pulse train, and uponsuccessful match, initiates the particular requested test sequence (30second or 90 minute). The invention further provides a novel infrareddetector housing further enhancing the receipt of the coded signal andnovel cabling to connect the detector to the control circuit in theemergency ballast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to perform selectivetesting of an emergency ballast of a fluorescent luminaire.

[0014] A collateral object of the invention is to perform testing in theemergency ballast which closely simulates the emergency function of theluminaire, verifying that the emergency capacity of the luminaire isfunctional.

[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide for remoteactivation of the emergency test without having to activate a testswitch located on the luminaire or at a discrete location.

[0016] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved bya lighting system including a luminaire including a fluorescent lamp,means for delivering main AC power to the lamp from an AC power source;a DC power source consisting of a stored energy supply; rectifier meansfor recharging the stored energy supply; inverter means connected to thestored energy supply for producing power from current provided by the DCpower supply; supplying such power to the lamp when the mains AC poweris interrupted and means for deactivating the inverter when main ACpower is being supplied to the lamp; a remote infrared transmittercapable of emitting a coded signal for interrogating an emergencyballast test control; an infrared detector coupled to a microcontrollerthrough a quick connect shielded cable to receive, examine and decodethe coded signal, the microcontroller signaling the emergency ballast tosupply power from the stored energy source by switching off the mains ACpower upon recognition of the coded test signal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of theremote control test for fluorescent emergency lighting according to thepresent invention including the infrared initiated microcontrollercircuit for activating a remote control test.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the test procedure accordingto the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a diagram of the code signal transmitted by the remotecontrol transmitter and received and processed by the microcontrollercircuit in the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a strip fluorescent fixtureincluding the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a troffer fluorescent fixtureincluding the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a top view of the cable assembly according to thepresent invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a troffer fixture with the lensopen illustrating the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the mounting of the cableassembly of the present invention in a troffer fixture.

[0025]FIG. 9 is an additional partial sectional view of the mounting ofthe cable assembly of the present invention in a troffer fixture.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a strip fluorescent fixture,partially cut away, illustrating the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the detector housing according tothe present invention.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a pictorial of the detector housing of FIG. 11.

[0029]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the detector housing of FIG. 11.

[0030]FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the detector housing of FIG. 13,taken on line AA.

[0031]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the lens cover for the detector housingof FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7 and 10, the invention isillustrated in the context of a conventional fluorescent lamp (whether astrip fixture 10 or a troffer fixture 12), including an emergencyballast 14 for standby lighting during a period when the main AC powerfails. FIG. 1 illustrates the circuit diagram of a conventionalemergency ballast which would be connected in parallel with aconventional fluorescent ballast 16 for providing emergency lighting inthe event of main AC power failure. In the FIG. 1, were the standardfluorescent ballast be shown, its output would be connected to lamp(s)LAMP, in parallel with the output of the emergency ballast EMERG. Relaycontacts K2 and K3 operated by coils K2 and K3 are responsive to thebattery BATT charging current and upon failure of the main AC power,failure of power to the battery charging circuit In, and thus K2 and K3,allows the switching of the relay contacts K2, K3, to shift the load ofLAMP from the AC supply (via the standard ballast) to the emergencyballast EMERG. More particularly, as described below input/chargingcircuit In which provides charging current to the battery BATT anddisables the emergency operation mode of the emergency ballast EMERGduring the period that AC power is being supplied by main AC supply, asat J11 or J12 and J13. In preferred embodiments of emergency ballasts,inclusion of alternative voltage connections enable the system to beselectively connected to either standard commercial voltage AC (277volts AC) or normal residential voltage (120 volts AC). Common, orground potential connector J13 completes the connections to the systeminput.

[0033] The two voltage terminals and the common terminal are connectedto the AC inputs of a full wave (preferably) rectifier D6, the highvoltage input terminal being connected via capacitors C1 and C4 andresistors R8 and R7 to limit the charging current supplied to rectifierD6 to discharge the power from the capacitors after the power is removedfrom the circuits. The DC output from rectifier D6 is supplied tobattery BATT via the coils of relays K1, K2 and K3. Similarly, the DCoutput of rectifier D6 is connected to a light emitting diode LED as anindicator that the battery BATT is in the charging mode.

[0034] Responsive to the status of input/charging circuit In, the switchof relay, K2, which is connected to terminal J27, and to a normally opencontact (NO) of relay, K2, when its coil is energized and to terminalJ25, a normally closed contact (NC) of relay K2 when its coil isde-energized, the latter position being that illustrated in FIG. 1.Relay K3 has a similar switch and associated set of contacts which areprovided to connect load LAMP when the normal AC supply or auxiliary ACsupply is powering the input/charging circuit In.

[0035] Battery BATT may be composed of, for example, a 6 volt (DC)nickel cadmium battery. Alternate battery configurations are possible,dictated by the power requirements of load LAMP. The output circuit O ofthe emergency ballast EMERG includes a transformer T1 having a primarywinding P1 and a feedback winding F1 on the input side of transformer T1and a secondary winding S1 on the output side. Output circuit O providescurrent limiting to the fluorescent lamp load LAMP only to the degreethat is necessary to keep the lamp within its operational limits. Theoutput circuit O is composed of a capacitor, C5, connected across theoutput of the secondary winding, S1, of transformer T1. Capacitors C6and C7 connected in parallel and generally in series with thefluorescent lamp LAMP which the output circuit O powers during emergencyoperation.

[0036] In the emergency mode, power is supplied to load LAMP from theoutput circuit by battery BATT through the operation of inverter circuitIv. Initially the operation of the inverter circuit Iv is placed inoperation by transistor Q3 going into conduction enabling theoscillation of switching transistors Q1 and Q2, including a high voltagesurge from the output circuit O for a short interval (which may be inthe order of a few milliseconds) after AC power failure to permit thestarting of the fluorescent lamp. Those familiar with fluorescentlighting will recognize that a short application of an initial voltagein the range of approximately 500 volts is required to initiate theignition of the gasses in the standard fluorescent lamp. Immediatelyafter ignition, as switch Q3 continues to supply base current to Q1 andQ2 as later discussed, the current regulating capacitors C8 and C7 inthe output circuit O regulate the current level to that required tooperate the fluorescent lamp at its emergency rated (reduced)illumination.

[0037] During normal operation when main AC power supply is functioning,charging current is supplied from the rectifier D6, to battery BATT,while energizing relays K1 and K2 so that the switch Q3 and theoscillating switches Q1 and Q2 and the output circuit O are inactive.Should the main AC power supply fail, and for that continuing period oftime until normal main AC power resumes, such that its frequency andvoltage output again power rectifier D6, relays K1 and K2 arede-energized so that the fluorescent lamp load is connected to theoutput circuit O and the inverter Iv is triggered into operation.

[0038] Remote Control Test Circuit (RCT) is connected to the emergencyballast EMERG through terminal J1-6, which is tied to the output ofrectifier D6 at diode D1. In order to initiate a test of the function ofthe emergency ballast, the output on pin GPO on microcontroller MC ofthe RCT activates swithc Q201 which sinks the current coming out ofrectifier D6 through resistor R2 causing the battery charging circuit Into sense a failure of main AC power. Then, according the description ofthe RCT circuit below, the emergency ballast EMERG cycles through a 30second or a 90 minute test, as signaled by the RCT.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, RCT is driven by a microcontroller chipMC, such as the PIC12C508 from Microchip, Inc. which is utilized in theillustrated embodiment. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, theselection of a particular microprocessor is influenced by the functionsto be performed, costs and compatibility with the other systemcomponents, and other microcontrollers might be selected, with someadjustment of other circuit components. RCT is powered by emergencyballast EMERG through contacts J1-1 from battery BATT which is providedto regulator U201 which provides a regulated 5 volt supply to themicrocontroller chip MC and to an infrared detector ID, which is mountedon the face of a fluorescent fixture or, in the case of a ceiling mountwith a translucent cover, on the face of the cover adjacent the fixturebehind the cover (not shown). Infrared detector ID receives a codedsignal (described later) from the remote transmitter which is suppliedto the base of buffer Q202 which inverts and amplifies the receivedcoded signal and inputs the signal to the microcontroller MC at pin GP1.Microcontroller is driven by resonator RES, which in the illustratedembodiment includes capacitors C206 and C205, R 205 and resonator Y201which sets the clock frequency of microcontroller MC at 2 MHZ, a valuecoordinated to the signal received from infrared detector ID to beexamined and processed by microcontroller MC. As observed previously,those skilled in the art should understand that the clock value might bevaried should a different coded signal or other operating parameter bechosen.

[0040] As added reliability for the testing process available throughthe remote control test circuit RCT, a reset capability is supplied by areset control RS including undervoltage sensing integrated circuit U203(such as MC34164). Reset RS monitors the battery BATT voltage (the 5volt output voltage of regulator U201) and is set to signal a supplyvoltage of less than 2.7 volts, selected as the lower limit ofreliability for signal processing by microcontroller MC. On observationof a supply voltage of below 2.7 volts, reset RS provides an input tomicrocontroller MC pin MCLR which in the preferred embodimentillustrated disables the microcontroller MC. When reset RS observes thatthe supply voltage has returned (i.e., above 2.7 volts), it outputs asignal through resistor R204 to pin VDD to recycle or “wake up” themicrocontroller MC such that any incoming signals from infrared detectorID may be again processed.

[0041]FIG. 2 illustrates the interrogating signals transmitted by thehand-held remote (not shown) which are received by the infrared detectorID (20 in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11). The carrier frequency for theremote communications is centered at 319 THz, which is in the infraredspectrum (λ=950 nm). This carrier is amplitude modulated by a 38 KHz subcarrier in digital (on-off) pulses. This type of modulation is termedAmplitude Shift Keying modulation and significantly reduces thepossibility of interference from other infrared sources, particularlythe fluorescent lamps in close proximity to the testing process. Theon-off digital pulses form a code modulation method of Pulse Codemodulation (PCM) and the series of pulses convey the informationrespecting to the particular test to be performed. In the preferredembodiment illustrates, the signal incorporates a Pulse-Timingmodulation (PTM) of a serial bit pulse train of nine bits, one start bitfollowed by eight data bits. These bits (again in this preferredembodiment) are 2.11 ms apart (at 473.9 Hz) with an “ON” pulse width of0.817 ms, yielding a duty cycle of 38.7 percent. The 9-bit cycle isfollowed by a break, in the preferred embodiment of 31.6 ms.Accordingly, the entire signal (data plus break) is repeated every 49.27ms as long as a selected transmit key on the hand-held remote isactivated. It is significant to the reliability and repeatability of theinventive test that the complexity of both Pulse Code and Pulse Timingmodulation are combined, the effect of which is to increase thesignal-to-noise ratio of the interrogation to ensure accuracy andreliability of test. By using the described approach including amicrocontroller in combination with the infrared detector to decode thetest signal, the use of expensive and massive “matched filter” isotherwise avoided. Further, the use of the low frequency bit rateenables the signal to be checked for time “on” as well as time “off”,along with the check of the bit pattern correctness, all withoutexcessive demands on the decoding and thus reducing cost of the circuit.FIG. 3 illustrates three different signal lines, one for the 30 secondtest wherein the emergency ballast is signaled on for the 30 secondperiod to assure operation of the fluorescent lamp in that period. Thesecond signal line initiates the 90 minute test wherein the emergencyballast is controlled in the on condition for a period of 90 minutes toverify that the emergency lighting (and the battery capacity) willcontinue lighting in the emergency mode for that period. The thirdsignal is to provide a reset of the system (and the emergency ballast)back to the regular operating condition wherein the lighting is poweredby the main AC supply through the standard ballast, and the emergencyballast is in standby condition with its battery being charged. Thereset signal is used primarily to terminate a running test, should thatbe desired. The microcontroller clock times each test and terminates theprocedure at the end of the requisite time (i.e., 30 seconds or 90minutes.) The hand-held remote control transmitter is analogous to theremote controls for television and video recorders, however wherein apreprogramed IC selectively transmits the signal pulse words illustratedin FIG. 3 according to the activation of the operating switches locatedon the hand-held control. The preferred hand-held control includes thecapacity to selectively transmit one of the three pulse-time signals,each of which is dedicated to one of the three command functions of thehand-held remote: a) the 30 second test; b) the 90 minute test; and c)the reset signal. Similarly to the television remote, the transmitter isaimed at the detector ID (18 in FIGS. 4, 5) in the fluorescent fixture(10, 12 in FIGS. 4, 5), such that the selected infrared pulse train isbeamed at the detector housing 20. Upon receipt of the signal, it isprocessed as described above.

[0042] The inventive signal code and timing together with the inventiveelements described below enable the effective use of relativeinexpensive, easily installed and used infrared signal interrogation anddecoding within a high infrared noise environment and electromagneticfields, thereby enabling the use of low cost infrared remote technologyanalogous to that used in TV's and VCR's, which otherwise would beunusable. The inventive detector housing 20 and shielded cable assembly23 enable the more reliable use of the infrared signal code and timingin the noisy infrared environment. By way of general explanation of theinterrogation process, prior to the full explanation of the flow diagramof FIG. 3, in the process of interrogation, the start bit is checked fora correct “ON” time and then checked for a correct “OFF” time. If thisstart bit is recognized as a correct bit, then the remaining eight bitsare checked for the correct “ON” and “OFF” times, or are read andidentified as one of the three signal train streams. Once the decodedpattern is verified as one of the three proper signals, themicrocontroller looks for a second stream of bit information, to verifyit as correct and a match of the first signal stream. Thus, the signalinterrogation is checked for correctness in format based upon time, dutycycle and matching (twice) one of the three coded patterns. Theinventive methodology provides sufficient signal-to-noise response toprevent false triggering of the test procedure by random infrared noisesignals.

[0043] As illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 2, on START, themicrocontroller clock is cleared, ready for the start of theinterrogation process. On INITIALIZATION the software in themicrocontroller sets up the memory map and counters to prepare thesequence of functions to be performed by the controller. When the memorymap and counters are installed, CLEAR sets the status register. CHECK isa verification that the microcontroller is set up and keeps up with timeafter which it SCANs the signal from the infrared detector ID to verifythe receiving signal is at the required voltage level for processing; ifit is (GP1 HIGH) the processing continues, if not, the microcontrollercontinues to examine incoming signals to look for one of the requisitevoltage. With the recognition of a signal of sufficient voltage, COLLECTSTART BIT DATA receives the first data bit which in GOOD START BIT ischecked for proper timing and width, and if the criteria are met (yes)the processing continues. If the start bit fails, the microcontrollerresumes looking for a proper signal, clearing all stored signal memoryat CLEAR. Once the suitable start bit is recognized, the microcontrollerat COLLECT BODY DATA receives the remainder (8 bits) of the signal andexamines the string to verify (CHECK) that eight additional bits werereceived. The microcontroller then in DECIFER does a more detailedreview of the signal string to verify that the first bit is a true firstbit (time and pulse width) and (CHECK) that there are eight correctfollowing bits. If the CHECK is passed, BODY OF WORD GOOD is the secondcheck on the following string of data bits to verify that the examinedsignal was repeated and matched. If this WORD is matched to one of thethree words, the microprocessor then (on yes) proceeds to the test; ifnot, the process goes back to the CLEAR, clearing out stored signalmemory and looking again for a proper first bit. At TEST IN PROGRESS themicrocontroller reads its activity to determine whether there is a testalready ongoing; if so, the START ABORT function reads the word to seeif it is the RESET signal, in which case the RUN ABORT SEQUENCEterminates the running test and sends the process back to the CLEARfunction. With no test in progress, the particular bit word is examinedto determine whether a 30 second or a ninety minute test is called for.On the particular recognition, either the 30 SECOND TEST or the 90MINUTE TEST initiates the appropriate test sequence, including TURN LAMPON for the requisite period and after the running of the program, or theabort sequence, the microcontroller returns to CLEAR for another signal.

[0044] Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 15, one importantobjective of the present invention is to allow the technician to aim theRemote Control Transmitter 22 (FIGS. 4 and 5) toward the lightingfixture 10, 12 and energize the test routine preferred. Because ofsafety requirements such as those imposed for approval by UnderwritersLaboratories, the detector and the wires connecting the infrareddetector to the Remote Control Test Circuit (RCT in FIG. 1) must beplaced totally within the fixture or, run through electrical conduit(which is costly, and would be cumbersome in installation). Therefore,placement of an infrared detector housing 20 must be behind the fixturelens 24 (troffer fixture 12 in FIGS. 5 and 7). It is well known to thoseskilled in the art relating to infrared remote controls such as fortelevision and video recorders that fluorescent lighting generatessignificant infrared noise which interferes with the communicationsignals of infrared controllers. It is for this reason that infraredremote controllers are not utilized in close proximity to fluorescentlighting. There is an added complication in the present applicationsince the detector is located behind fixture lens 24 (the function ofwhich is to diffuse the fluorescent light generated) so the fixture lens24 further diffuses the signal from the Remote Control Transmitter 22before it is received by the detector 18 in detector housing 20 as wellas reflecting some of the infrared noise generated by the fluorescentlight back toward the detector 18. A further factor complicating the useof infrared detectors in such as fluorescent lighting is theelectromagnetic fields generated by the high frequency electronicconventional 16 and emergency ballasts 14 which are in close proximityto a detector housing 20 mounted within a light fixture 10, 12. Thepresent invention enables the use of infrared remote controllers infields having a high degree of infrared noise, even when associatedcomponents generate electromagnetic fields, techniques previouslyavoided by those skilled in the art.

[0045] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4 through 15, in addition tothe use of a specially coded signal which is verified by a second signaltrain as discussed above, the present invention includes a noveldetector housing 20 in which an infrared detector unit 18, such as aGP1U901X infrared detector from Sharp Electronics, Inc., is mounted. Thepreferred detector is compact in size to be conveniently located withinthe flourescent fixture 10, 12. Detector 18 is mounted in a housing 20which is also sized to be conveniently placed within a fluorescentfixture. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, detector housing 20 iscomprised of two adjoining cylindrical sections, a collar section 21 anda detector section 28. Being adapted for mounting directly into standardfixtures as strip 10 and troffer 12, collar section is approximately ½inch in diameter to fit a standard ½ inch electrical mounting tube 26for the troffer mounting illustrated in FIG. 8 and 9. Tube 26 isretained in fixture 12 by means such as bracket 19 conveniently locatednear the end of fixture as illustrated in FIG. 5. For mounting in astrip fixture 10 having standard ⅝ inch holes, the detector section 28has an outside diameter of approximately ⅝ inch. Housing 20 ismanufactured of a convenient, light weight material such as PVC, eitherby fabrication or molding. Other materials, including metals might besubstituted, depending upon cost of materials and manufacture.

[0046] The preferred detector 18 is capable of receiving theinterrogating signals from the Remote Control Transmitter 22 andgenerating a comparable signal which is passed on to the remote controltest circuit (RCT in FIG. 1) which is physically located in theemergency ballast 14. Detector 18 operates on the Amplitude Shift Keying(ASK) code principle and incorporates a 38 kHz bandpass filter withhigh-gain amplifiers and an automatic gain control (AGC), parametersmatching the interrogating signal from the Remote Control Transmitter22. Contributing to the special effectiveness of the present inventionis the configuration of the detector housing 20. As may be seen in FIGS.12 through 15, housing 20 includes collar section 21 sized toconveniently receive cable 27 which connects detector 18 to the remotecontrol test circuit RCT (FIG. 1). Cable 27 is preferably shielded tominimize electromagnetic induction from the fields established by theconventional and emergency ballasts. Further, cable 27 is sealed intothe inside diameter 25 of collar 21 with potting 31, such as a siliconcompound, for strain relief between the cable and collar sectioninternal diameter 25. Detector 18 is mounted into the detector section28 of housing 20, being affixed with a suitable adhesive to a mountingplatform such as the off-set 30 between the different inside diameters29, 25 of the collar section 21 and the detector section 28,respectively. Other techniques for mounting the detector 18 withinhousing 20 may be employed subject to location of the receiving eye 32of detector 18 withing detector section 28 so as to have an angle ofincidence a which shadows or blocks substantial amounts the surroundingdetrimental infrared noise by limiting the reception of the eye 32 to aconvenient cone within the angle α. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the angle of incidence α of receiving eye 32 isdetermined by the depth of eye 32 within the inside diameter 29 ofdetector section 28 as well as the detector section inside diameter 29.

[0047] An additional aspect of the present invention includes shielding34 around the interior diameter 29 of the detector section 28. Shielding34 is of an electrically conductive material, such as an adhesive backedcopper tape such as produced by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Inc.and available from electrical supply houses. Other shielding materialsmay be used so long as they are attachable to the interior diameter ofdetector section 28. In the present embodiment, shielding 34 isconnected at terminal 36 to the ground wire 27 d for cable 27 which isalso shielded (not shown) and similarly connected to detector housing 20at terminal 37 to protect against the electromagnetic field establishedby and in the vicinity of the electronic ballasts for the fluorescentlamps. In the preferred embodiment described, the Sharp GPIU901X isenclosed in a metal case or housing 18 h so that the detector 18electronics are also shielded from the electromagnetic field of theballasts. Since both housing 20 and cable 27 are shielded against theelectromagnetic field interference, both may be mounted within the bodyof lighting fixtures 10, 12. Completing the assembly of detector housing20 is the lens cover 46 which covers and protects the sensitive infrareddetector 18 from dust or other airborne particles which may be presentin a commercial or industrial environment. Lens cover 46 is preferablywhite so as to be relatively unnoticeable under fixture lens 24 whenclosed. Cover 46 is composed of a material which is translucent ortransparent to the infrared signal from remote control 22, such as of arigid vinyl or MYLAR, a polyester material available from E. I. duPontde Nemours & Company. Lens cover 46 material is selected to provideminimal attenuation of the infrared test initiating signal from RemoteControl Transmitter since the less attenuation caused by lens cover 46,the greater will be the strength of the test initiating signal whichmust be received through the infrared noise by detector eye 32. Lenscover 36 is retained on detector section 28 by means such as an adhesiveor other suitable attachment mechanism.

[0048] Completing the mounted assemblage for mounting a remote controltest module including an infrared detector is cable assembly 23 (FIG. 6)including cable 27 being a three wire shielded cable such as Belden 9533060 which is fitted at one end with a miniaturized, three prongplug-type connector 33 such as Berg 67954-002. It is preferable toenclose the connector 33 and attached (as by soldering or crimping)wires 27 r, 27 w, and 27 b in such as stress relieving sleeve 35, (i.e,heat shrink tubing from SPC Technology PHS-024) to ensure reliableperformance. Cable assembly 23 is terminated at its other end bydetector housing 20 including detector 18. Cable wires 27 r and 27 wterminate on terminals 37 t of detector 18 and carry the signal outputof detector 18 responsive to Remote Control Transmitter 22 test signalsto the remote control test circuit RCT (illustrated in FIG. 1). Wire 27b and the cable shield drain 27 d are terminated on the casing 18 h ofdetector 18 at terminal 37 and drain 27 d is also terminated on detectorshield 34 at terminal 6(all illustrated in FIG. 11). As with connector33, the termination of wires 27 r and 27 w at detector 18 includesstress relieving sleeve 38, preferably of such as heat shrink tubing(e.g., 3M FP301). For ease of installation of the remote control testfeature in the field, it is preferable to provide emergency ballast 14with a complementary cable assemble 23′(to assembly 23) which isconnected to the test circuit RCT (FIG. 1), and a cooperating femaleplug 33′(e.g., Berg 67954-00) to plug 33 so that the cables 23, 23′ needonly to be connected, as at connection 40 in FIG. 9.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the following components have thevalues indicated: C1 6.8 μFd C4 4.7 μFd C5 220 μFd C6 1000 ρFd C7 680ρFd C8 1500 ρFd C20 4.7 μFd C201 0.1 μFd. C202 0.1 μFd. C203 15 μFd.TANT C204 0.1 μFd. Q1 NPN transistor D44H8 Q2 NPN transistor D44H8 Q3PNP transistor 2N4403 PNP Q201 NPN transistor ZTX851 Q202 NPN transistorZTX851 U201 Regulator 5V. TK11650 U202 Microcontroller PIC12C508 U203Reset MC34164 Y201 2 MHZ resonator R2 10 M ohms R3 180 ohms R4 120 ohmsR5 15 K ohms R6 1 K ohms R7 10 M ohms R8 10 M ohms R15 15 K ohms R20 4.7K ohms D1 Diode 1N4005 D3 Zener 1N5347 D6 Bridge D7 Diode 1N4005 D8ZENER 1N5221B D9 High Voltage Diode 2000 VDC, 50 mA, BYD43X2 D10 HighVoltage Diode 2000 VDC, 50 mA, BYD43X2 D14 Diode 1N4005 K1,K2,K3 RelaySPDT 75 mA., 6 V. T Transformer S1 500 turns, 34 ga. P1, 6 turns, centertapped, 23 ga. F1 2 turns, 23 ga. Core ferrite plus BATT Battery NiCd,SAFT, 6V, 4000 mAh LED Indicator red ID Infrared Detector Sharp GPIU901X10 Strip fixture 12 Troffer fixture 14 Emergency ballast 16 Conventionalballast 18 Detector 18h Conductive case 19 Mounting bracket 20 Detectorhousing 22 Remote Control Transmitter 23 Cable assembly 23′ Cableassembly 24 Fixture lens 25 Collar section inside diameter 26 Electricalmounting tube 27 Cable 27r red cable wire 27w White cable wire 27d Drainwire 28 Detector section 29 Detector section inside diameter 30 Off set31 Potting 32 Detector eye 33 Cable plug 33′ Cable plug 34 Detectorshield 35 Stress relieving sleeve 36 Detector/drain terminal 37Shield/drain connection 38 Stress relieving sleeve 40 Connection

[0050] With the shielding offered by the described detector housing 20,the cable 23 and detector 18, all being grounded to the microcontrollerRCT, the inventive signaling system may be utilized for other desirablecontrol functions in an infrared/high EMI field environment, includingfunctions as a switch for activating the standard fluorescent lamp.

[0051] The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that variations may be made in the interrogation signal wordstyle, the sequencing, timing and phasing of the process as well asvariations in the hardware for accomplishing the test function withoutdeparting form the spirit of the invention. The scope of the inventionis to be defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoingdescriptions and other embodiments which come into the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be includedwithin the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for remote testing the ready status offluorescent type emergency lighting fixture including a standard ballastfor providing power to a fluorescent lamp while normal AC power issupplied to the standard ballast and an emergency ballast for supplyingbattery sourced current to the fluorescent lamp when normal AC power isinterrupted, wherein the improvement includes an infrared signaled testcircuit comprising: a) a rectifier charging circuit adapted to beconnected to be powered by the primary AC power supply to the standardfluorescent ballast during normal operation of the primary AC powersupply, said charging circuit disconnectably connected to said batterywhile the primary AC power supply is providing AC power to the lightingcircuit; b) an inverter disconnectably connected to said battery upondisenabling of said rectifier charging circuit charging said battery,the output of said inverter switchably oscillating the voltage of saidbattery to create an AC output current at said battery voltage, andincluding a transformer to step up said inverter created AC voltage to apredetermined level to operate the fluorescent lamp, said inverterdisconnectably connected to the fluorescent lamp during the period saidinverter is powered by said battery; c) a test circuit including aninfrared detector for receiving a pulse-time coded infrared signal; amicrocontroller programmed to provide an output in response to aselected pulse-time coded infrared signal, and switch means operated bythe output of said microcontroller to disenable said rectifier chargingcircuit for a predetermined period of time; whereby upon receipt of theselected pulse-time coded infrared signal, said inverter is selectablyconnected to said battery upon activation of said test system to providelighting from the emergency lighting fixture testing the fixture's readystatus.
 2. The remote test system according to claim 1 wherein saidmicrocontroller is programmed to provide an output responsive only to arepeated selected pulse-time coded infrared signal.
 3. The remote testsystem according to claim 1 wherein said microcontroller is programmedto provide an output responsive to a selected pulse time coded signalhaving a carrier frequency in the range of about 319 THz±five percent.4. The remote test system according to claim 3 wherein the carrierfrequency is modulated by a sub-carrier frequency of digital pulses inthe range of about 38 KHz±five percent.
 5. A system for remote testingthe ready status of fluorescent type emergency lighting fixtureincluding a standard ballast for providing power to a fluorescent lampwhile normal AC power is supplied to the standard AC ballast and anemergency ballast for supplying battery sourced current to thefluorescent lamp when normal AC power is interrupted, wherein theimprovement includes an infrared detector, infrared remote controlsignaler and a microprocessor connected to said detector for processingthe output of the infrared detector, the improvement comprising: aninfrared detector mounted in the fluorescent lighting fixture forproviding an electrical output in response to input from an infraredremote controller; microcontroller means electrically connected to theoutput of said infrared detector, said microcontroller means powered bynormal AC power supplied to the standard AC ballast, and responsive toelectrical output of said infrared detector to initiate test operationof the emergency operation of said fluorescent by simulating AC powersupply interruption to the battery charge circuit of the emergencyballast causing said emergency ballast to supply battery powered a-cpower to the fluorescent lamp thereby illuminating the lamp.
 6. Theremote test system according to claim 5 wherein said infrared detectoris mounted in a shielded housing disposed in the lighting fixture andthe shielding of said housing is electrically connected to saidmicrocontroller means.
 7. The remote test system according to claim 5wherein said infrared detector is electrically connected to saidmicrocontroller means by a shielded cable, and said cable shielding iselectrically connected to said microcontroller means.
 8. The remote testsystem according to claim 7 wherein said shielding of said shieldedcable is electrically connected to said shielding of said shieldedhousing for said infrared detector.
 9. The remote test system accordingto claim 8 wherein said infrared detector is adapted with a conductivecase and said case is electrically connected to said shielding of saidhousing and said cable shielding.
 10. The remote test system accordingto claim 5 wherein said infrared detector is mounted in the lightfixture in an infrared detector housing comprising: a) a substantiallycylindrical shell having a central bore therethrough, a detectormounting section disposed within said central bore at one end of saidshell; b) a cable receiving section disposed within said central bore atthe other end of said shell; c) said detector being fixedly mounted inthe central bore of said detector mounting section whereby said detectoris positioned in a recessed relation to the open end of said centralbore of said detector mounting section; d) a cable for conveying theelectrical output of said detector to said microcontroller circuitmeans, one end of said cable being closely received within the centralbore of said cable receiving section of said detector housing andelectrically connected to the output of said detector, said cable beingelectrically connected at the other end thereof to said microcontrollercircuit means.
 11. The remote test system according to claim 10 whereinsaid cable includes an electrically conductive shielding and saidshielding is connected to a ground potential terminal on saidmicrocontroller circuit means.
 12. The remote test system according toclaim 10 wherein said central bore of said detector mounting section islined with an electrically conductive shielding and said shielding iselectrically connected to a ground potential terminal on saidmicrocontroller circuit means.
 13. The remote test system according toclaim 12 wherein said electrically conductive shielding of said cable iselectrically connected to said detector mounting section shielding andsaid ground potential terminal.
 14. The remote test system according toclaim 13 wherein said infrared detector is adapted with a conductivecase and said case is electrically connected to said shielding of saidhousing and said cable shielding and said ground potential terminal. 15.An infrared wavelength remote control signaling system for activation ofmicrocontroller circuit means comprising: a) an infrared detector forproviding an electrical signal output in response to an infrared remotecontroller command signal; b) a substantially cylindrical shell having acentral bore therethrough including a detector mounting section disposedwithin said central bore at one of said shell; c) said cylindrical shellhaving a cable receiving section disposed within said central bore atthe other end of said shell; d) said detector being fixedly mounted inthe central bore of said detector mounting section, disposed in recessedrelation to the open end of said central bore in said shell; e) a cablefor conveying the electrical signal output of said detector to saidmicrocontroller circuit means, said cable being closely received withinthe central bore of the cable receiving section of said detectorhousing, said cable being electrically connected at one end thereof tothe electrical output of said detector and electrically connected at theother end thereof to said microcontroller circuit means.
 16. The remotetest system according to claim 15 wherein said cable is a shielded cableand said shielding is electrically connected to a ground potentialterminal in said microcontroller circuit means.
 17. The remote testsystem according to claim 15 wherein said central bore of said detectormounting section is lined with an electrically conductive shielding andsaid shielding is electrically connected to a ground potential terminalin said microcontroller circuit means.
 18. The remote test systemaccording to claim 17 wherein said shielding of said detector mountingsection is electrically connected to the shielding of said cable and tothe ground potential terminal of said microcontroller circuit means. 19.The remote test system according to claim 18 wherein said infrareddetector is adapted with a conductive case and said case is electricallyconnected to said shielding of said housing and said cable shielding.